Le Cercle Rouge is a funky wine bar in the very centre of the old part of the city of Angers in the Loire Valley of France. They specialise in natural wines and many of the wines from the icons of the movement such as Mosse, Villemade, Puzelat, Lemasson, Przezdziecki (PZ) and so on are represented here. It is a great place to sample the best that the Loire has to offer at very reasonable prices.

We also like the fact that there are two whole pages of wines available by the glass, some of which are interesting Vin de Table wines. For example, the excellent white Les P'tites Vignes from Christophe Foucher which is a Sauvignon Blanc, a delicious sparkling wine "Les Annees Folles" from Jean-Pierre Robinot and a moelleux Fleur de Nuit from Loic Mahe of Domaine du Gué d'Orger. There was also a Vin de Pays from Mas de Libian in the Ardeche called Petanques and one of those wonderful Cour Cheverny made from the Romorantin grape from Philippe Tessier. The prices were also very reasonable with a glass ranging in price from a little over 2 Euros to a maximum of 5.1 Euros.

There is also a range of snacks available. On the night we were there we could order oysters, rillettes of fish, terrine maison, a plate of artisanal charcuterie, pata negra ham from Spain, lambs brains or a platter of cheese.

There is a good feeling in the bar with everyone having a common interest in natural wines. The staff are anxious to steer you towards the current favourites. As the evening progresses the wonderful music selection veers towards the Nick Cave - Tom Waites end of the spectrum.

This place seems to be our go-to venue every time we are in Angers these days. The conviviality, the natural wines, the very good food and the music all combine to make this a great venue.